Close-up of 3D-printed surface

Scanning electron microscope close-up of the surface of a part produced by Additive Manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D-printing. The image shows a section through an internal cavity. The material is Ti6Al4V that has been processed through selective laser melting and then post-treated to remove loose powder from its cavities. By sectioning the part to open the cavity, it becomes clear that significant improvement in the cleaning process is needed to ensure a loose particle-free surface.As a consequence of its manufacture, loose particles adhere to the solid surface, which could be troubling for use in space. The largest particles seen measure about 100 micrometres across, around the width of an average human hair.